What are the two primary means of fires available to the Marine Corps during expeditionary operations?

• A. M777 155mm artillery and naval gunfire from ships
• B. AAVs and MLRS
• C. F-35B strikes and carrier air wing
• D. Close air service and naval aviation

Answer: (D)

In expeditionary operations, the Marine Corps relies on air power as its primary fires. The two main means are close air support (aircraft delivering fires directly in close proximity to friendly ground forces and integrated with the maneuver) and naval aviation (ship-based aircraft providing strikes, interdiction, and air support to extend reach and persistence ashore). Close air support brings precise, coordinated air fire to support ground troops, while naval aviation projects power from ships, increasing availability and flexibility in littoral or contested environments. The other options mix ground-based fires or platforms, but the essential two in this context are air-based fires from both land-based and sea-based aviation.